“It is valuable to hear all of the rules that all of us have broken at some time at our peril, condensed into three days' instruction. It was the first course at which I did not fall asleep, which must be a compliment.”

— C.B., Owner's Hull Surveyor

“Very interesting class with lots of real world examples.”

— C.C.P., US Government Agency

“Course was well-tailored to the audience, very enlightening on actual contracts and specs as well as good management techniques, providing checklists for future reference.”

— C.J.M., Project Manager, US Navy

“I learned about potential problems in our contracting processes that we did not know existed.”

“This course would be very good for young/new port engineers who have to wear all hats due to budget cuts.”

— 0.E., Marine Superintendent, Dredge Operator

“Helps a port engineer control the shipyard's rush to get approval for changes.”

— D.N., Port Engineer, US Fleet Operator

“Course syllabus is very comprehensive — easy to follow — emphasizes importance of effective communications between port engineer and yard.”

— D.W.K., US Government Agency

“The concepts and ideas expressed in the training greatly enhanced and complemented my own experiences.”

— F.E.D., US Coast Guard Maintenance

“Beneficial to all port engineers regardless of experience level.”

— G.J.R., Port Engineer, Tanker Fleet Operator

“Every engineer, nav. arch., project manager or contract manager involved in a ship project, whether it be operations, repair, etc., should take this training since it is all very practical. I have learned a number of things that I will look to incorporate in future contracts.”

— G.L.D., Canadian Coast Guard

“An encompassing view of our industry from both the owner/operator's and the ship repair facility's sides. A highly recommended program.”

— G.P., Port Engineer, US Vessel Operator

“This course should be a must for all estimators and spec writers.”

— J.B., Canadian Department of National Defense

“I really appreciated the ‘most probable’ theory for writing specs with removable work when not required.”

— J.F., Port Engineer

“Good training, well presented. I expect this training to become more valuable as I gain more experience.”

— J.F., USCG Port Engineer

“I put into practice immediately what I learned, and obtained better results.”

— J.G., Port Engineer, US Bulk Fleet Operator

“This is the only course I have been able to take that has been directly applicable to my most important job function in terms of cost to the company — drydocking and repair.”

— J.H., Port Engineer, US Fleet Operator

“Opens up many various ideas that we usually forget or have not thought of.”

— J.M., Engineering Manager, Canadian Vessel Operator

“Improvement to my negotiating skills for ship repairs and changes are the direct outcome of this course.”

— J.P., Canadian Department of National Defense

“In my 20 years with [major oil fleet operator],this has been the most practical course I've ever taken.”

— J.S., Port Engineer, US Tanker Company

“Refreshing emphasis on writing the specs to promote a good relationship between yard and owner to achieve satisfactory repairs.”

— L.A.M., Manager, Coastal Fleet

“Dr. Fisher's course emphasizes to [vessel] owner's the results of poor contract/specification development. If the most important this is ‘read the contract,’ then the owner 's most important effort should be the development of the most clear and concise contract possible.”

— L.C., Project Manager, Major US Ferry Operator

“For every dollar spent for this course, your company gets back many in return because you will be able to do a better job.”

— L.H., Port Engineer, US fleet operator

“Extremely beneficial by gaining an understanding of the perspectives of differing management structures undertaking the work.”

— M.K.O., Project Manager, UK Tanker Fleet Operator

“The class is a must for Chiefs and Port Engineers. It will save many times the cost of tuition.”

— M.N., Port Engineer, Major Ferry Operator

“Highly valuable training based on lessons learned from broad cross sections of the maritime industry.”

— M.P., Port Engineer, US Fleet Operator

“I highly recommend this course to others. It was one of the most comprehensive classes on the things I spend most of my work day attending to.”

— M.P.L., USCG Supervising Engineer

“I am better prepared to put together a meaningful bid package that will maximize the work done while keeping costs down and minimize change orders.”

“This course should be a prerequisite to working with any contracts. I should have had this course several years ago before I was given the responsibility of dealing with contracts on behalf of the Crown. I will benefit by understanding a clearer path between the paper contract and the 3-dimensional finished product.”

— P.M., Port Engineer, Canadian Ferry Operator

“Course content considered excellent. Provided helpful insight into the problems as seen from the other side.”

— R.C., Port Engineer, US Operator

“This is the first course I have been on that is directly related to my job .The insights gained through the course regarding other segments of the industry will be invaluable to me and my organization.”

— R.L., Canadian Ferry Operator

“I have benefited from being exposed to the contractor's point of view.”

— S.B., Washington State DOT

“Showed me how to approach difficult situations in shipyards in a manner that will benefit my company.”

— T.J.A., Manager, Tug/Barge fleet

“Excellent training for all managers of ship repair or conversion. I gained considerable insight into what motivates private shipyards and how to approach contract management at shipyard projects.”

MEET THE INSTRUCTOR

Dr. Kenneth Fisher is recognized worldwide as the leading authority on the development and management of complex contracts and specifications for ship construction, conversion, repair, and design. He is author of the 2004 RINA publication, Shipbuilding Specifications: Best Practices Guidelines, and of the 2003 SNAME publication, Shipbuilding Contracts and Specifications. As an arbitrator, expert witness, consultant, and instructor for nearly 30 years, he brings clarity and organization to an otherwise-complex set of management requirements unique to the maritime industry.

SCHEDULE A COURSE

No open-registration courses are currently scheduled for the Port Engineer's & Owner's Representative's course. If you would like to set up an in-house course at your location, please see our Schedule An In-House Course page.